Circuits @ BIKF
Last updated
Last updated
I cannot stress this enough: you must remain clear of the approach and climb-out path whilst on your downwind leg - 1 mile from the runway is the bare minimum. Unless otherwise instructed, remain on runway heading until reaching the end of the runway.
Circuit clearances are always issued at the holding point. Altitudes for circuits are published by the aerodrome operator (1,200ft for Keflavik).
Squawk mode C is required whilst an aircraft is in motion. Set mode C before push or taxi.
Helicopters at Keflavik may only takeoff or land on runways, and must not hover taxi near parked or holding aircraft. Explicit permission (for example, "hover taxi runway 10 via ....") is required before hover taxiing.
Aircraft are not expected to report downwind, base, or final unless requested.
The VFR conspicuity squawk code is 1200 (instead of 7000).
Local callsigns (those that start with TF-) are shortened to the last 3 letters as a local courtesy, including on first contact. For example, the callsign TF-SKN shortens to SKN. All other callsigns are shortened in accordance with ICAO rules, where the full callsign must be used on first contact (e.g. G-ABCD), then the first and last two letters used (GCD).
Startup clearance is only required at Keflavik if one or more of the following are true:
You have 2 or more engines.
You are a helicopter.
TF-SKN: SKN, request startup.
Tower: SKN, startup approved, QNH 1002.
TF-SKN: Startup approved, QNH 1002, SKN.
Taxi clearances are always required. A squawk code is usually issued when you request taxi, and you must squawk mode C.
TF-SKN: SKN, request taxi.
Tower: SKN, squawk 1211.
TF-SKN: Squawk 1211, SKN.
[...]
Tower: SKN, taxi holding point runway 19 via N.
TF-SKN: Runway 19 via N, SKN.
Circuit clearances at Keflavik are issued at the holding point, along with takeoff clearance. All circuits at Keflavik are to be performed at 1,200ft (the "published circuit altitude") unless otherwise instructed.
Tower: SKN, right hand circuits, the winds 070 degrees 10 knots, runway 10, cleared for takeoff.
TF-SKN: Right hand circuits, runway 10, cleared for takeoff, SKN.
Whilst doing your circuit, you should maintain the altitude assigned to you. You should also ensure you stay at least 1 mile away from the active runway on your downwind leg to ensure you do not conflict with other traffic.
You may be asked for your intentions whilst on your downwind leg.
Tower: SKN, you are number 1, what are your intentions?
TF-SKN: Full stop, SKN.
Tower: SKN, the winds 070 degrees 10 knots, runway 10, cleared to land.
TF-SKN: Cleared to land, runway 10, SKN.
During a touch and go, instead of decelerating when your wheels touch the ground (as you would with a full stop), you instead apply full thrust and takeoff again. You do not stop whilst performing a touch-and-go.
Tower: SKN, you are number 1, what are your intentions?
TF-SKN: Touch and go, SKN.
Tower: SKN, the winds 070 degrees 10 knots, runway 10, cleared touch-and-go.
TF-SKN: Cleared touch and go, runway 10, SKN.
Similar to a touch and go, however before applying full thrust to takeoff again, you bring your aircraft to a complete stop on the runway.
Tower: SKN, you are number 1, what are your intentions?
TF-SKN: Stop and go, SKN.
Tower: SKN, the winds 070 degrees 10 knots, runway 10, cleared stop-and-go.
TF-SKN: Cleared stop and go, runway 10, SKN.
A low approach is quite similar to a go around. Instead of landing, you remain airborne and pass over the runway. You'll likely be assigned a minimum altitude.
Tower: SKN, you are number 1, what are your intentions?
TF-SKN: Low approach, SKN.
Tower: SKN, the winds 070 degrees 10 knots, runway 10, cleared low approach not below 300ft.
TF-SKN: Cleared low approach, runway 10, not below 300ft, SKN.
Just a normal landing. Decelerate and as usual.
